Increasing Battery Life of Wireless Sensor

Abstract

A method of operating a remote wireless sensor that is part of a control system for an HVAC system serving a space is disclosed. The remote wireless sensor is capable of operating in at least a first higher power mode and a second lower power mode. The method includes wirelessly transmitting a signal to the remote wireless sensor to cause the sensor to operate in the second lower power mode upon detecting the absence of an occupant in the space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of operating a remote wireless sensor that is part of a control system for an HVAC system serving a space, the remote wireless sensor capable of operating in at least a first higher power mode and a second lower power mode, the method comprising wirelessly transmitting a signal to the remote wireless sensor to cause the sensor to operate in the second lower power mode upon detecting the absence of an occupant in the space. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method includes wirelessly transmitting a signal to the remote wireless sensor to cause the sensor to operate in the first higher power mode upon detecting the presence of an occupant in the space. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein detecting the absence of an occupant in the space comprises establishing a geofence around the space, and detecting the presence or absence of any occupants' cellular devices within the geofence. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein detecting the absence of an occupant in the space comprises polling a wireless network service in the space for connected devices, and detecting the presence or absence of any occupants' cellular devices within the space. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein detecting the absence of an occupant in the space comprises receiving data from at least one motion sensor in the space. 
     
     
         6 . A control system for an HVAC system serving a space, the control system comprising:
 a controller;   at least one remote wireless sensor for wirelessly providing sensed data to the controller, the at least one remote sensor having at least two modes of operation, each having different level of power consumption;   the controller configured to transmit a signal to the at least one remote wireless sensor upon determination that the space may be unoccupied, which signal causes the at least one remote wireless sensor to change to a mode of operation with a lower level of power consumption.   
     
     
         7 . The control system according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one remote wireless sensor includes a motion sensor, and wherein the at least one remote wireless sensor changes to a mode of operation with a higher level of power consumption upon the motion sensor sensing motion indicative of an occupant in the space. 
     
     
         8 . The control system according to  claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to transmit a signal to the at least one remote wireless sensor upon determination that the space may be occupied, which signal causes the at least one remote wireless sensor to change to a mode of operation with a higher level of power consumption. 
     
     
         9 . The control system according to  claim 6 , further comprising at least one motion sensor within the space, and wherein the controller is configured to receive information from the at least one motion sensor and determine occupancy of the space. 
     
     
         10 . The control system according to  claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to obtain information about devices connected to a router providing wireless communication within the space, and determine occupancy of the space. 
     
     
         11 . The control system according to  claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to receive information about the presence or absence of particular devices within a geofence surrounding the space, and determine occupancy of the space. 
     
     
         12 . The control system according to  claim 6 , wherein the controller receives information from the at least one remote wireless sensor indicating the space is occupied, and returns itself to an occupied state of operation.